Nepali, Indian authorities to work jointly against human trafficking

By Siraj Khan Bahraich, June 25: Concerned stakeholders from Nepal and India have decided to work jointly against the rising terror of human trafficking through the open border between the two countries.

A joint meeting was held to formulate necessary plans against human trafficking between Nepali and Indian authorities in Bahraich, in Uttar Pradesh, India on Thursday.

The meeting was facilitated by Plan Nepal, UNESCO-Banke and DEHAT, an India-based organisation.  

Security forces’ chiefs, government officials and representatives from organisations working against human trafficking from both countries were present in the meeting and decided on the need of a joint intervention against the crime. “We decided alongside our Indian counterparts to form a joint action plan against human trafficking,” said Harishchandra Sharma, chief administration officer of Banke District Administration Office.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities stated that they were unhappy with Nepali officials for being unable to punish the arrested criminals of human trafficking legally.

“We have handed over several individuals involved in human trafficking to Nepal but many are left unpunished,” said Hansharaj, a senior official of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), India.

Similarly, Dibyani Singh of DEHAT stressed that the cases of human trafficking cannot be mitigated until the perpetrators are punished.

The meeting decided to conduct similar interactions in days ahead and to share necessary information to bust human trafficking rackets at the earliest. The two sides have also decided to strengthen surveillance along the open border.